car tests

Partially electric = in demand

Times are changing now, but one thing is certain: plug-in hybrid SUVs are increasingly in demand. They are loved for their space and high entry level. You can drive them partially electric and otherwise the fuel engine jumps in. The previous generation Outlander was the first plug-in hybrid SUV, but now there are quite a few competitors. Think, for example, of the Hyundai Santa-Fe, the Kia Sorento, or the Mazda CX-60.

Caravanning

Each of these are ideal workhorses for towing your caravan, boat or loaded ornamental horse in the horse trailer. The Mitsubishi Outlander has a maximum braked towing weight of 1,600 kilograms, more than enough for your caravan. Should you need to tow heavier equipment, there are other plug-in hybrid SUVs that can hold their own. Take a look at the overview below, where we compare the basic versions.

	Mitsubishi Outlander	Hyundai Santa-Fe	Kia Sorento	Mazda CX-60	Toyota RAV4	Renault Rafale	Volkswagen Tayron	Peugeot 5008	Ford Kuga
Empty weight.	2,050 kg	2,075 kg	1,995 kg	1,959 kg	1,985 kg	1,909 kg	1,839 kg	2,023 kg	1,859 kg
Max. tow weight braked	1,600 kg	1,010 kg	1,010 kg	2,500 kg	1,500 kg	1,500 kg	1,800 kg	1,300 kg	2,100 kg
Drive	AWD	AWD	AWD	AWD	AWD	AWD	FWD	FWD	FWD
Electric range (WLTP)	86 km	62 km	55 km	63 km	75 km	105 km	126 km	82 km	60 km
From price	51,990 euros	59,995 euros	56,195 euros	55,290 euros	50,995 euros	55,290 euros	52,490 euros	48,920 euros	43.490
Luggage space	495 l.	621 l.	809 l.	570 l.	657 l.	530 l.	705 l.	748 l.	628 l.
Power	302 hp	252 hp	253 hp	327 hp	306 hp	300 hp	204 hp	195 hp	243 hp

Something for everyone

Not all models shown have all-wheel drive, equal power, or are as spacious as the Mitsubishi Outlander. The best-selling 2024 tow vehicle is the Ford Kuga – check our review here. It does not measure up to the Outlander in every way. It is slightly more compact and has less power. But, with its towing weight of 2,100 pounds, it does draw the longest straw, on paper that is.

So it’s just what your specific needs are. Do you really expect to have to pull a lot of weight on unpaved terrain in wet weather? Then it can still be challenging if you have a front-wheel-drive car. The same goes for a steep slope. We therefore recommend that you take a closer look at what best suits your situation and use. Oh yes, the removable tow bar on the Mitsubishi Outlander will cost you 1,451 euros extra.

Key figures at a glance

Under the hood of the Mitsubishi Outlander we find a 2.4-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine. In addition to the fuel engine, the Outlander features all-wheel drive with an electric motor on the front and rear axles. Total power is 225 kW (302 hp) and torque 450 Nm.

The battery pack has a capacity of 22.7 kWh, which Mitsubishi says is enough for an electric range of 86 km (WLTP). The total combined driving range is 844 km according to the factory specification. During our test drive, which included several hundred kilometers through hilly countryside, we arrived at an average fuel consumption of about 6.2 liters per 100 km (= 1 on 16.1).

Plug it in

It is possible to charge the Outlander at 11 kW AC, and DC at 50 kW. The car features a somewhat quirky CHAdeMO connection, where many other brands have CCS. Should you still have power left over at the end of your drive, the Mitsubishi Outlander features V2H capabilities. So you can use the Outlander as a sort of home battery.

An imposing appearance

The Outlander has literally and figuratively grown. This latest generation has a length of 4.72 meters (+6 cm), a width of 1.86 meters (+6 cm), a height of 1.75 meters (+7 cm). The wheelbase is 2.7 meters. Otherwise, on the outside we see mainly a modern Outlander, with a distinct identity and decent “presence.

The Outlander has been given a look all its own. At the front of the car we see the “Dynamic Shield,” in which the grill is recognizably designed and the lights are split. A sleek line pattern across the side makes the Outlander look dynamic. All in all, we do have a car that looks very good. To finish it off, you can choose 18-inch or 20-inch alloy wheels and there is a choice of seven body colors, as well as two-tone options.

How does the Mitsubishi Outlander drive?

Basically electric, and that’s unlike anything else. Many plug-in hybrids are developed from an existing fuel-engine car, to which a battery pack and electric motor are then added. With the Outlander, this is different. Mitsubishi developed this SUV from the beginning as an electric car to which a fuel engine was added. Because of this reverse philosophy, the Outlander has a relatively large battery pack (22.7 kWh) and electric drive on the front and rear wheels. As a result, it feels a bit like driving an all-electric car.

The throttle response is acceptable, but not quick. If you press the accelerator pedal fully, it can take some time for the Outlander to reach full power. We must remember that this car weighs almost 2,100 kg. So there is quite a bit of mass to move and you notice that in Normal mode.

Ingenious all-wheel drive

The Mitsubishi Outlander features several driving modes. There is also a mode in which more use can be made of the electric motors. The difference in acceleration is clearly noticeable and gives just that bit of power you lack in Normal. Another extreme is Eco mode and there are several modes for off-road conditions. Here the Outlander makes grateful use of the Super-All Wheel Control system. By the way, the steering could have been a bit more direct when steering, we feel a bit of play there.

The powertrain translates to a pleasant quietness on board. Occasionally you do hear some electric hum, but that’s it. The internal combustion engine occasionally jumps in in the background, but does not dominate during normal driving.

Outlander, but inside

Inside, in addition to the acoustic quietness, it is also uncluttered. Mitsubishi has made considerable strides compared to the previous generation. The dashboard has been cleaned up considerably and the horizontal line brings calm to the interior. A digital instrument panel has been placed in front of the driver’s nose. Starting with the First Edition version, you also have a head-up display.

In the middle you’ll find the infotainment system, with support for DAB+, Apple Carplay and Android Auto. Good to know, there is now a Mitsubishi app that allows you to control functions remotely. The Outlander is the first model equipped with this and many will follow.

In addition to these digital elements, there are the desirable physical buttons for volume and climate control. The upholstery is almost chic in the highest Instyle+ trim and features brown leather trim on seats and doors, with diamond stitching. But, you’ll also find a hard plastic panel with leather relief on that same door, as well as a stray carbon print. On the one hand, we are made happy by the various color accents; on the other hand, more tranquility in material selection would have done the interior good.

Space for the family?

The back seat has room for three people. It is comfortable and spacious here, but we experience a drawback. Especially if you have somewhat longer legs, the high floor, read the battery pack, creates a lot of space between the seat and your knees. This is not bad for a short drive, but on a longer drive it is still a downside.

There is no shortage of headroom, by the way, even with the optional panoramic roof present. For the passengers in the back seat, climate control is also available and, depending on the version, seat heating as well. By the way, Mitsubishi is not ruling out the possibility of a seven-seat configuration of the Outlander.

Load up

The luggage space of the Mitsubishi Outlander starts at a volume of 495 liters, but can be expanded to 1,422 liters after folding down the rear seats. That’s a lot of space, but the Mazda CX-60 already offers 570 liters as standard. Still, something to think about. Should you want to fry an egg in no man’s land, you can. Optionally, the Outlander has a 1,500W 230V outlet in the luggage compartment and center console, so you can charge or use equipment.

So, why choose the Mitsubishi Outlander?

So the competition has not been idle. In some areas, the Outlander is even outperformed in numbers, as you can see above. However, there are also good reasons to choose the Outlander. For example, the all-wheel drive offers grip on unpaved surfaces and the plug-in hybrid powertrain is very refined. The electric range is greater than many competitors, and the electric motor works smoothly with the fuel engine.

Overall, the Mitsubishi Outlander makes a confident impression. It is tough on the outside and sleek on the inside. It may not be fully premium, but it is very comfortable. In other words, you get great value for your money. On top of that, you also get an 8-year warranty, something other brands don’t offer. So in a few years, when you buy a used Outlander, you can still call on this. Looking at the overall picture, the Outlander will be a value-conscious car.

Prices Mitsubishi Outlander

The Mitsubishi Outlander is available in various versions. We list them for you, including designation, starting price and important extras for each version.

Pure | 51,990 euros | 18-inch alloy wheels, adaptive cruise control, blind spot sensors, 360-degree camera, Yahama audio system with eight speakers, front and rear parking sensors, automatic dimming interior mirror, pre-conditioned parking heater.

Intense | 53,990 euros | electrically adjustable driver’s seat, front seat heater, steering wheel heater, wireless phone charger, privacy glass, LED fog lights, headlight washers.

First edition | 56,990 euros | 20-inch alloy wheels, adaptive LED headlights, head-up display, hands-free automatic tailgate, roof rails, 1,500W 230V socket.

Instyle | 60,990 euros | black leather upholstery, memory mode for electrically adjustable front seats, front seat ventilation, heated rear seats, Yamaha audio system with 12 speakers, electric panoramic roof, digital interior mirror.

Instyle+ | 63,940 euros | brown leather upholstery, massage function front seats, black headliner, two-tone black roof (i.c.w. with White Diamond, Moonstone grey and Red Diamond colors).